HOW YOU GOT SO SMART

Age Range: 3 - 6

Pub Date: April 1st, 2010ISBN: 978-0-399-25260-0Publisher: Putnam

David Milgrim’s rhyming take on the journey of growing up and acquiring knowledge begins with a baby chewing on a book and exploring what happens when his breakfast is tossed on the floor. The same baby, now a preschooler, plays with the pots and pans and asks questions like “why is it called a pair of underwear if there’s only one?” Then the little guy becomes an older child who likes to look through telescopes and attempts to fly. Many of these images are essentially universal, but they all have funny and unique elements, like the above question about underwear or a funky invention involving watermelons and a skateboard. The simple, cartoonish illustrations also capture a familiar, humorous vibe. What isn’t universal, however, is that this child seems to have a larger-than-average appetite for knowledge. He’s shown making some complex inventions, playing several instruments and reading books on science and art history. This seems to be aimed at children who have actually earned the “smart” title. (Picture book. 3-6)